Ancelotti plays down Paquetá injury and explains Endrick call in Brazil v Japan | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti played down Lucas Paquetá’s injury after Brazil beat Japan to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.

“We have to assess him tomorrow. It was a very demanding match. Japan are well organised and intense. Winning was very important,” he said, speaking to Cazé TV.

Paquetá felt pain in his right hamstring after an early challenge and was withdrawn at half-time. The medical staff will examine him to determine the extent.

With Brazil behind, Ancelotti turned to Endrick in place of the midfielder. The striker had a shot held by the goalkeeper and slipped a pass that Bruno Guimarães steered wide.

“The truth is we needed more strength and presence in the box. Endrick could provide that. He was intense and very dangerous,” Ancelotti said.

Endrick’s only indirect role in a goal came when he found Bruno Guimarães, who set up Martinelli to complete the turnaround.

Flamengo also face uncertainty. Paquetá competes for the playmaker role with Arrascaeta, who has a calf muscle injury, and Carrascal, who was struggling for form before the World Cup. The possible loss of their starter could be significant.

Brazil return on Sunday in the last 16, facing the winner of Ivory Coast v Norway, who meet on Tuesday. Paquetá remains a doubt.

Source: Coluna Do Fla